Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
The National Social Security Authority (Nssa) in the Matabeleland region, in collaboration with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo, is set to host a workshop in Gwanda on Wednesday. The workshop aims to empower art practitioners and individuals involved in cultural and creative industries (CCIs) on social security issues.
The three-hour workshop to be held at Mtshabezi Building boardroom at the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Matabeleland South provincial offices, will run under the theme, “Social security for creatives”.
Behind the vibrant colours and bold canvases, many visual artists are facing financial struggles. With irregular incomes, a lack of benefits, and limited access to healthcare and retirement savings, the social security safety net for visual artists is, at best, fragile.
The workshop is set to cover an understanding of Nssa, its roles and social security for creatives, registration and contribution process for artists, benefits and entitlements for artists under Nssa as well as retirement planning and pension options for creatives.
According to Silenkosi Moyo, NGZ in Bulawayo regional director, the workshop aims to address the challenges faced by many creatives in Zimbabwe who struggle to access social security benefits.
“Many creatives in Zimbabwe face challenges in accessing social security benefits such as pensions due to their informal employment status and sometimes lack of knowledge on available schemes. The NGZ aims to bridge this knowledge gap and empower creatives to secure their financial future,” Moyo said.
The workshop will be facilitated by experts from Nssa, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and comprehensive insights into social security schemes, policies and best practices.
Moyo noted that the workshop will benefit local artistes and creatives in several ways.
“The workshop will benefit local artists and creatives in several ways. Firstly, it will educate them on the available social security schemes and how to access them. Secondly, it will provide a platform for creatives to share their experiences and challenges regarding social security collectively.
The workshop will also equip participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the social security system, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to.”
The workshops will be held in Gwanda, Plumtree, Bulawayo and Midlands province.
To ensure ongoing support, the NGZ plans to make follow ups using WhatsApp groups.
The workshops are open to all creatives.
“Participants are encouraged to come with an open mind, a willingness to learn and are free to ask any question regarding social security,” Moyo said.
The NGZ envisions that social security will play an increasingly important role in supporting the livelihoods of artists in Zimbabwe.
The NGZ says social security schemes need to adapt to meet the unique needs of creatives. This may involve the development of tailored social security products so that retirement is not a headache for creatives. We want them to have access to their own pensions in order to retire with dignity,” Moyo said. — @MbuleloMpofu
